The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing rising fears over cross-border transmission and a high risk of fatalities.
The declaration follows confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which was first detected in Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, where clusters of severe illness and deaths were reported, including among healthcare workers.
Laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus in samples from affected areas, with eight positives recorded out of 13 tested.
Health authorities in the DRC officially declared the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after confirming the spread of the infection.
Uganda has also reported cases linked to cross-border transmission, including an imported case involving a Congolese national who later died in Kampala.
The World Health Organization warned that the Bundibugyo strain has previously recorded fatality rates of between 30% and 50%, raising concern among global health experts.
Unlike more common Ebola variants, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for this strain, though supportive care is known to improve survival outcomes if administered early.
In response, health authorities in both countries have intensified containment efforts, including the deployment of rapid response teams, expanded disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention measures, and community awareness campaigns.
Isolation centres and treatment facilities are also being established in affected regions to manage cases and reduce further spread.
The World Health Organization is supporting coordination between the two countries and strengthening cross-border preparedness measures to prevent wider regional transmission.
It has also issued global health advisories urging countries to enhance surveillance and readiness protocols.
Ebola is a severe viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Symptoms include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
Health experts are urging residents in affected areas to observe strict hygiene practices, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms early to health authorities to improve survival chances and reduce transmission.
